Liverpool Combating Drugs Partnership drives forward citywide action 

Partners from across Liverpool came together on Friday 6 February for the quarterly meeting of the Liverpool Combating Drugs Partnership (CDP), reaffirming their joint commitment to reducing drug and alcohol related harms across the city. 

The partnership drives the city’s proactive approach to reducing drug-related harm, crime, and deaths across the city. It works through a ‘whole-system approach’, bringing together local government, drug and alcohol services, health services, police and criminal justice partners, and voluntary organisations and reports into the Council’s CitySafe Board. 

The LGBT Foundation showcased how they have been using partnership working to bridge the gaps between tailored support and mainstream services while addressing stigma. For some people, tailored LGBTQ+ support services are vital, however some people do not believe that their sexuality/gender identity poses any issues in them accessing mainstream services, choice and integration is what’s important. 

The partnership meeting focussed upon ensuring all local people can receive the support they need, through spotlight sessions from the LGBT Foundation and on reducing stigma. The LGBT Foundation showcased positive outcomes from their work supporting LGBTQ+ communities affected by drug and alcohol use, highlighting the importance of inclusive, community‑led support. 

Professor Harry Sumnall, from Liverpool John Moores University, presented progress on the anti-stigma research pilot that Liverpool CDP are part of; exploring how the impact of stigma anticipated or experienced stigma discourages individuals from accessing treatment, even when they need it, due to fear of judgment or discrimination. The research will help us to understand and measure attitude and behaviours, and to build knowledge and deepen understanding to better support people who use alcohol and other drugs and fostering safer and more respectful environments. 

The Board also heard updates from partners updates from across their organisations, strengthening the collective picture of local need and identifying opportunities for closer collaboration. Representatives were in attendance from across Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), NHS, The Forward Trust, River Drug and Alcohol Support Service, Whitechapel, YMCA, Sanctuary, LGBT Foundation, Merseyside Probation, Emerging Futures and Lifeboat.  

The next meeting is scheduled for 29 June 2026. If you would like to find out more about the work of the Liverpool Combating Drugs Partnership please email: publichealth@liverpool.gov.uk  

For free and confidential support related to drug and alcohol use please contact: http://www.riversupportservices.org.uk or call 0151 706 7888